Pregnant Bridgeport firefighter claims bias in pregnancy leave

BRIDGEPORT >> Bridgeport has placed a pregnant firefighter on unpaid leave, forcing her to do without a paycheck until the birth of her baby at the end of the year.

Regina Scates, a six-year firefighter, is being forced to use her 11 days of accumulated vacation and personal time. Under terms of the contract, the checks will then stop.

The 36-year-old Scales, a mother of two, says she could be assigned to light duty.

Fire Chief Brian Rooney told the Connecticut Post he’s reviewing the matter and will issue a decision in a few days.

Thomas Bucci, a lawyer representing Scates, says the Fire Department is violating federal and state anti-discrimination laws. He says treating pregnancy differently than other disabilities is prohibited and Scates should be transferred to a job requiring light work.